Battle for bronze

 The Flames and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will this afternoon battle for the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup bronze at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

The Flames lost to Lesotho 3-0 on post-match penaltieson Friday following a one-all draw in regulation time.

Hosts South Africa on the other hand gave up a 1-0 lead in the other semi-final to lose 2-1 to defending champions Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

Flames coach Patrick Mabedi said the bronze medal will, at least, be a consolation after the team failed to reach the final.

He said: “This is an important match for us. There is a lot to fight for. We need to at least go back home with a bronze.

“That would be a good consolation for all the fans back home and here, who have been supporting us during the tournament.”

In the semi-finals, Lesotho played with 10 men after a red card to Motlomelo Mkwanazi following a second yellow card.

However, the Flames failed to utilise their numerical advantage and the match had to drag into post-match penalties in which Malawi failed to convert their three spot kicks.

Mabedi said his charges were complacent after the red card to Lesotho.

He, however, said they will avoid a repeat of the scenario as they face the hosts.

“Like I said before, we need to utilise our chances and win it in regulation time because penalties are unpredictable.”

The coach is expected to maintain the same first XI that he has been using at the tournament with goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, centre backs Denis Chembezi and Nickson Mwase, fullbacks Alick Lungu and Stanley Sanudi, midfielders Chimwemwe Idana, Lloyd Aaron, wingers Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu and forwards Chawanangwa Kaonga and Christopher Kumwembe.

Flames captain Stanley Sanudi said the loss to Lesotho was a lesson.

“We cannot afford another slip up.”

On his part, Bafana Bafana coach at the tournament Morena Ramoreboli said in a pre-match interview that he will give all his players a chance to play.

He said: “Obviously, it’s important for us to, at least, finish third.

“But we will also try to ensure all the players get some action.”